A flexible, vintage-style stompbox compressor with true hard-wire bypass for guitar or bass.

The BBE BenchPress is a vintage compressor pedal that was patterned after the long discontinued Ross compressor. Unfortunately, it might be difficult today finding one that's in reliable condition and won't cost you an arm and a leg. The heart of the BBE BenchPress compressor pedal is fueled by a NOS CA3080 OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier), 1% metal-film resistors and true hardwire bypass for better fidelity, and features an Attack control to offer players more flexibility than the original compressor effect pedal.

I ordered this at a clearance-price to replace an aging rackmount unit; upon completing my order, the stock had run out, so I had to wait for re-stock. I have used it many times in the past six months (mainly for church) and it does just what a compressor should do: keep volume constant without adding or changing anything. Not a glamorous pedal, and yet one of my favorites: partly because of its cheerful blue color, but mainly because the first aspect of good presentation is having control of your sound. The Bench Press allows me to do that perfectly; I'd replace it at the full price.Reduced only for lack of sustain/release control, which doesn't matter to me but might to the loud crowd.Can't fault metal construction and knobs and true bypass. Some may find it unduly large.Obviously I got an incredible value on sale, but still a solid value as priced.

"What's that do?" - "Well, you know how (when you play) sometimes it's quieter & sometimes it's louder?" - "Yeah, so?" - "Well, this reduces that."Volume pedals & compressors are the least sexy of guitar pedals, so reviews tend to say what they don't do: add noise, take space. I bought this during the post-Xmas special; I see a distinguishing mark on the box, so perhaps it's not the same as the full-price edition. But unlike the Jan 2011 reviewer below, I've had no problems and actually like the larger size - a bit wider than a shoe, therefore easy to step on (but not Big Muff huge). Other compressors are smaller, or have more controls; this one has all the ones I need & none that I don't. I have used it mainly in church where the useful volume window is fairly narrow with a tube amp, and also for bass in jam band situations, replacing the Roland RCL-10 I have used since 1988. Key benefits: true bypass, metal box, decent compression, easy use. Overall 4 stars

This pedal works great. Does a great job as a compressor...like it much better than my Boss. I have had the pedal for a couple months now along with another BBE pedal and no problems. I noticed in another review someone called it garbage...not sure if maybe they had a faulty power supply (surge) or something...sounds like some thing on their end and not the pedal itself. Also the size is somewhat larger than a traditional pedal...I don't personally find that to be a problem....some might. I would difinantly recommend this product to anyone. It really does an excellent job for both clean and distorted sounds allowing notes to sustain for how ever long your hearts desire and really beefs up the quality of the sound.

Pedal works fine, does what a compressor should. Solid build but a bit large, if I decide I need compression that badly in the future I'll get an MXR or something small. Had another of BBE's pedals, the Sonic Stomp, but traded it due to it's limited usefulness. Sending back to get the reverb and delay I still need.

I am open to trying new companies but this pedal came shipped in a promising way. The box was clearly nice, correct packaging, included an adapter and battery and also some basic instructions. However, it worked for a week and failed to operate correctly. Also, after unplugging it, it still showed a surge for a few minutes which opted me to no longer buy BBE pedals. I'm sorry I ever bought this.